Research goal

The Monash Trauma Group consists of a team of Principal Investigators, each of whom are leading scientists within their respective fields. Our collective goal is to study the effects, underlying pathophysiological mechanisms, biomarkers, and treatments of trauma related conditions including TBI, concussion, PTSD, epilepsy, polytrauma, fracture, muscle injury, heterotopic ossification, and pain.

Research overview

TBI is a major focus of the group. TBI is a leading cause of death and morbidity worldwide, and there is no intervention to improve long-term outcomes. The Monash Trauma Group aims to improve the understanding and treatment of TBI by utilizing a translational research approach that incorporates both animal model and patient studies. The groups also investigates the relationship between TBI and other neurodegenerative conditions (e.g., epilepsy and ALS), and how these effects can be prevented.

Another key focus of the group is mild TBI (mTBI), often referred to as concussion. Evidence suggests that mTBIs are associated with long-term neurological consequences and neurodegenerative disease. Unfortunately, it is not known why these effects occur or how they can be prevented. We are currently conducting studies in amateur and professional athletes, as well as in animal models, to provide insight into questions related to mTBI.

We are also one of the few research teams in the world investigating how concomitant peripheral insults (e.g., infection, aging, extracranial traumas) affect TBI pathobiology and outcomes. Related to this, we are studying neurological heterotopic ossification (NHO) - a common and debilitating consequence of TBI that involves the formation of bone in soft tissue.

Chronic pain is a debilitating consequence of many of the traumatic events studied by the group. Our research aims to examine this transition from acute to chronic pain in an attempt to pinpoint where and why the shift occurs in order to better manage it. We also aim to determine why some people recover without incident, and others go on to suffer persistently.

Projects

This project examines whether mTBIs cause long-term neurological consequences and neurodegenerative disease, and whether there are diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for these effects. It also investigates how biological sex and genetic factors influence these outcomes. This research is done using rodent models of mTBI.

This project examines whether fluid, MRI, and/or ocular motor biomarkers can accurately and objectively diagnose a sports-related concussion, as well as determine when the brain has recovered from the concussion and it is safe for the athlete to return to play. The hypothesis is that fluid, MRI, and/or ocular motor biomarkers will be more sensitive than the subjective methods that are currently used. This research is done in male and female amateur Australian rules footballers.

This project investigates how common concomitant immunological insults, such as aging, extracranial traumas, and infections, affect the pathological and functional outcomes of TBI. It is hypothesized that each of these immunological insults will exacerbate TBI outcomes. These studies have important implications related to identifying appropriate treatments in TBI patients that may or may not be affected by these concomitant factors.

Neurological heterotopic ossification (NHO) is a common and debilitating, yet grossly understudied, consequence of TBI that involves the formation of bone in soft tissue. Our group is leading the development of a new rodent model of NHO. Using this model, we will examine the mechanisms that underlie the development of NHO, identify diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers of NHO, and develop new treatment strategies to mitigate NHO and pain.